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New Employee Spotlights – Xiaoquan “Lily” Ma

We’d like to take a moment and recognize our newest employees to Green River. Please take a moment to learn more about them, in their own words.

Please tell everyone your new title and a little bit about your professional background.I am so excited to become an Engineering Instructor. I got my Ph.D. degree in Materials Engineering and Science in December 2015, so this will be my first job (and hopefully a lifelong job!). During my study toward Ph.D. degree, I have worked as a research assistant and teaching assistant for the Materials and Metallurgical department, and Math department at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. I have taught a wide variety of engineering courses in college and enjoyed it!

What drew you to apply to Green River?I met a very nice HR person from Green River College, Mr. Kirk Walker, at a career fair in Seattle, who introduced Green River College to me. After doing some research about the school, I knew I wanted to work here. Not only because it’s a diverse campus, but also the opportunities it provides for professional growth.

On the car ride to work, what do you listen to?NPR (National Public Radio), which delivers breaking national and world news. Also top stories from business, politics, health, science, technology, music, arts and culture.
KING FM 98.1, classic music.

What was the very first job you ever had?Research assistant at Graduate School at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

What about your new position is most exciting for you?The most exciting thing is that I’m not a teaching assistant any more, I will be a teacher! Teaching is the most rewarding job in the world. You get the opportunity to influence someone else’s life and guide them in making the right choices in life. Isn’t that great?

What is one thing you’d love to accomplish in your first year at Green River?Students looking forward to taking my classes.

What three accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?Becoming:

a Ph.D.,

a military spouse,

and a mom!

If your coworkers were to give you an office nickname, what would that be? Why?I will leave it to them to decide.

For Green River’s annual talent show (this doesn’t actually exist), what hidden talent would you showcase for everyone?Dance!

If G.R.E.E.N. were an acronym for something, what would each letter stand for?